Research shows that Tai Chi reduces falls in older people by 47%. The Otago Exercise Programme (OEP) reduces the chances of older people falling by 35%. Find out more about these programmes.
Modified Tai Chi programme
Modified Tai Chi classes have been specially designed to improve lower body strength and balance, and help prevent falls.
Benefits
The benefits of Tai Chi include:
- improved fitness
- increased lower limb muscular strength
- better balance
- better flexibility
- reduced risk of falls
- lowered stress levels and improved relaxation.
Evidence
There’s good evidence to support using modified Tai Chi to prevent falls in older adults living independently in the community.[1] [2]
For additional references to evidence, see Key references for falls prevention.
Eligibility criteria
A person may participate in an ACC-funded modified Tai Chi course if they:
- are aged 65 or older (55 if Maori or Pacific)
- are living independently in the community
- have had a fall in the last 12 months (or are deemed by a registered health professional to be at high risk of a fall)
- have been assessed as not being in the small percentage of people who are too fit or too frail for the class.
What the course involves
Participants are currently expected to attend one class each week over a period of 16weeks. Each class is 45to60minutes long.
Participants must be assessed before starting and after completing the programme, to help evaluate the programme’s effectiveness.
Modified Tai Chi instructors
The modified Tai Chi instructor training is best suited to health care professionals (eg physiotherapist, occupational therapist, etc), exercise instructors, Tai Chi instructors or advanced Tai Chi students. The instructors are employed by the providers who deliver the programme.
Training
ACC is involved in the delivery of modified sun-style Tai Chi training.
Modified Tai Chi trainer workshops are organised in different centres around New Zealand throughout the year. Find out if there is a trainer workshop (external link) near you.
If you are interested in instructing ACC-funded modified Tai Chi classes, contact the Injury Prevention Consultant at your local ACC branch for further information. Ask about being referred to a trainer workshop.
Tai Chi provider pack
The following resources can be ordered through the Publications page or by phoning 0800844657. Please note that the resources are available in restricted quantities, as indicated below.
Resource |
Restriction |
|---|---|
ACC4553 Tai Chi leaflet |
50 |
ACC2383 Standing up to falls booklet |
50 |
Otago Exercise Programme
The Otago Exercise Programme (OEP) was developed and tested in four controlled trials by a research team at the University of Otago Medical School, led by Professor John Campbell.
Evidence
There is strong evidence to support use of the OEP to prevent falls in those aged 80 years and older [3] who are living independently in the community, and who have had a fall or been assessed as being likely to be at risk of a fall.
For additional references to evidence, see Key references for falls prevention.
What the programme involves
The OEP is a home-based, individually-prescribed exercise programme that takes place over a twelve-month period.
It consists of a series of progressive leg-strengthening and balance-retraining exercises that a trained instructor prescribes during a series of six home visits.
The instructor telephones the participant each month, between the home visits, to keep up communication, find out about any issues, and provide motivation.
A follow-up visit is required at six months and twelve months.
Participants are expected to:
- exercise for 30 minutes a day, three times a week
- go for a walk at least twice a week.
They must also record the days that they complete the programme.
Delivery of the OEP programme
ACC is no longer funding new participants of OEP. If you are a registered physiotherapist and are interested in delivering this programme, please refer to the resources below.
Available OEP resources
Please note that the resources are available for download only
Resource |
|---|
For further information or if you have any questions about these programmes, please call 0800844657.
Last updated: 7December2009